How Do You Get Text Message Records?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 30, 2020

The only way to get text message records from a wireless provider is through a court order demanding the release from the carrier. Federal privacy laws are in place protecting the sender and the receiver of texts.

Cellular providers are under no regulations to maintain text records. Most companies do not retain the content sent via text, while some only retain it for a few days. Records of the time, the date and the sender are listed on the cellular bill, although the specific content is not listed. The best method for reviewing texts is from the device used to send or receive them, but privacy laws still apply to this as well. If harassing or threatening messages are a concern, a complaint should be filed.